From NEHJ: Bruins Top 10 Prospects

The Boston Bruins took a longer view in the 2012 NHL Entry
Draft, but a few months into the 2012-13 hockey season, the
team’s system is the deepest in memory. Bruins GM Peter
Chiarelli and his staff continue to stockpile quality talent in the
organization, though NHL jobs won’t be easy to come by in
Boston for those prospects in the fold.

The ongoing lockout means top
prospect Dougie Hamilton is back in the OHL instead of seeing
prime-time action in Boston. He’s refining his defensive game
and working on the little things, but his offensive prowess
continues to evolve with Niagara. Given Boston’s apparent
success at identifying and drafting talent in Ontario since 2010,
it is easy to think that the team is fixated on the OHL. However,
that would be a narrow view going forward, as the team is committed
to finding top talent no matter the location.

“I’m not going to
speak for Peter, but I believe he would say, ‘You just
determine who the best players are,’ ” Bruins assistant
GM Don Sweeney told New England Hockey Journal. “We have an
organizational philosophy that we want players to be able to fit in
and help in areas of need and best player. But I hope that
we’re combing everywhere to make that happen.”

In the meantime, Hamilton, along
with 2012 top pick Malcolm Subban, are top performers in the OHL
and represented Canada at the latest World Juniors tournament. Seth
Griffith (top three in OHL scoring), Anthony Camara (also named to
Team Canada) and Cody Payne (already established career highs with
Plymouth) are making an impact. A sixth prospect selected out of
the OHL, Alexander Khokhlachev, is skating for his father’s
Spartak Moscow club in Russia.

The Bruins also have gotten some
mileage from a couple of undrafted free agents signed last spring
in former Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug and Swedish goalie
and league champion Niklas Svedberg. Third-round pick and Boston
University freshman Matt Grzelcyk (Charlestown, Mass.) has excelled
in his first NCAA season as well.

“We’ve done a decent
job in terms of knowing the OHL to the degree we do and recognizing
the ability to scratch below the surface on some of these
kids,” said Sweeney. “That’s a testament to our
(scouts). Each and every organization, obviously the guys have a
very difficult task — scouting, seeing it in itself, plus the
travel. It’s a good thing for our guys to have that
success.”

Between Hamilton, Subban and
Providence center Ryan Spooner, the B’s have a solid nucleus
of a future young core they can continue to build around.

Here’s a detailed look at NEHJ’s top-10 ranking of
the Boston Bruins prospects for 2013.

1. Dougie Hamilton

Acquired: Boston’s
first choice, 9th overall in 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Signing status: Signed; 3-year ELC does not go into effect until
first pro season

Strengths: Has
gotten taller since Boston drafted him and is filling out his huge
frame. Smooth skater with fluid footwork and quick directional
change ability. Has big shot and is an outstanding passer. Works
the point of the power play like a maestro; keeps his head up and
uses terrific vision to distribute the puck effectively or rifle
shots on net.

Weaknesses: Not
an overly physical player despite his excellent size. At times, has
looked disinterested this season. His scoring pace is a little off
from what it was a year ago, but Hamilton is still the top-scoring
defender in the OHL and a lock to be on Boston’s roster when
NHL play resumes.

Projection: No. 1 or 2 d-man and high-end
power-play QB. There will be a transition period for Hamilton to
the NHL, but there hasn’t been a Boston prospect on defense
with his potential since Ray Bourque in 1979. “His two-way
game has continued to evolve. He can play both a shutdown role and
contribute offensively (with his) decision making and being able to
move the puck at his size. The way he skates, he’s real
attractive.” — Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney

2. Ryan Spooner

Strengths:
Legitimate blazer can back defenses up with his quickness and
shifty moves. Outstanding puckhandler has an effortless stride and
makes plays at top speed. Creative and dynamic, he’s a
dual-threat scorer who can finish the play effectively. Sets up
linemates with pinpoint passes and is a relentless presence in the
offensive zone. The puck seems to follow him around the ice.

Weaknesses:
Continues to refine his play in the defensive end, but there are no
glaring flaws in Spooner’s game.

Projection: Second-line NHL center and high-end
special teamer. Spooner has the skill to play in the NHL right now
and after a strong AHL showing might make the cut right away.
“Spooner’s best assets are his speed and vision and
taking shots off the wing, getting to the net. He’s not a guy
that we’re going to expect to be like (Jamie) Tardif —
camp out in front of the net — but you have to go to the
front of the net, get into those areas. Get in, get out, make your
plays.” — Providence Bruins head coach Bruce
“Butch” Cassidy

3. Malcolm Subban

2011-12 NEHJ Rank:
NR

Born: Dec. 21, 1993, in
Rexdale, Ont.Size: 6-2, 201 Catches:
Left

Acquired: Boston’s
first choice, 24th overall in 2012 NHL Entry Draft
Signing status: Signed; 3-year ELC does not go into effect until
first pro season

Strengths:
Elite athlete with impressive core and lower leg power. Displays
some of the quickest leg pads and crease explosion of any
goaltending prospect. Recovers quickly and able to make the second
and third save.

Projection: Subban has No. 1 NHL upside, but he
is not without risk. Coming off an appearance in the 2013 WJC in
Russia, poised for a superb second half in the OHL and springboard
to Providence for the 2013-14 season. “His athleticism stands
out first and foremost. (Bruins goalie coach) Bob Essensa’s
been working with him on a couple of things: his depth in goal,
recovery and such. Again, (we are) trying to set him up for the
next level where some of the shooters are going to take advantage
of some of those things.” — Sweeney

4. Alexander Khokhlachev

2011-12 NEHJ Rank:
3

Born: Sept. 9, 1993, in
Moscow, RussiaSize: 5-10, 180 Shoots: Left

Acquired: Boston’s
second choice, 40th overall in 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Signing status: Signed; 3-year ELC does not go into effect until
first pro season in North America

Strengths:
Superb hockey sense and creativity. Has top-level puck skills with
a wicked release and the ability to score goals from just about
anywhere on the ice. “Koko” is a game-breaker who
brings fans out of their seats with highlight-reel flair.
Determined player who performs with passion and enthusiasm.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and easily knocked off the puck; needs to improve
upper-body strength. Does not possess high-end speed. Still
learning to play effectively in all three zones.

Projection: Top-six NHL scoring forward with
30-plus goal upside who can play center or wing.
“You’re seeing him have the confidence to carry that
over from the Subway Series over to his team in the KHL so
he’s been able to carry that forward and into the World
Juniors, and I think that will probably set him up to have a real
productive second half of the year.” — Sweeney

5. Jared Knight

Strengths:
Epitomizes all the traits the Boston Bruins value in players:
strength, speed, physicality, skill and exuberance. Versatile
two-way winger who plays an aggressive, north-south style. Crashes
the net and scores many of his goals by outworking opponents in
close.

Weaknesses:
Nagging ankle, groin and hamstring injuries have limited him to
just a handful of games in the early going of his first AHL
campaign, hampering his development.

Projection: Second- or third-line winger and
power-play scorer. “He’s got a great shot, he’s
been a good forechecking force for us. He’s starting to
develop that personality.” — Cassidy

6. Torey Krug

2011-12 NEHJ Rank:
NR

Born: April 12, 1991, in
Livonia, Mich.Size: 5-9, 180 Shoots:
Left

Acquired: Signed as free
agent April 2012
Signing status: Signed through 2014

Strengths:
Speedy defenseman is a terrific skater with rapid acceleration and
four-way mobility. Sees the ice well and is an excellent passer
with the ability to make crisp outlets and longer leads through the
neutral zone.

Weaknesses: The
lack of size and strength poses a challenge against the stronger
forwards who drive the net and set up shop in front. He was nursing
an ankle sprain in December.

Projection: No. 4 defender and special teams
star. With Krug’s speed and attitude he’s a classic
“more than the sum of his parts” player.
“Torey’s been a real good first-pass guy. Usually once
a game, he’s up the ice, supporting the rush, getting a
chance. He’s good on the power play as the only defenseman in
that one group, so a lot of positives. For him, it’s fighting
through a lower body injury. ... I think he’s been good, but
until he gets 100 percent healthy sometimes it’s not even
fair to judge how mobile he can be.” — Cassidy

7. Niklas Svedberg

Acquired: Signed as free
agent May 2012
Signing status: Signed through 2014

Strengths: Good
size and quickness. Moves well laterally in crease and plays an
aggressive, challenging style. Finds a way to make the big stops
when the game is on the line. Never quits on the shot; brings a
similar battler’s mentality to that of Tim Thomas. Effective
when leaving his net to play the puck.

Weaknesses:
Average glove. Plays with an exaggerated crouch that makes him
susceptible to getting beaten on top-shelf shots. Fiery disposition
that sometimes gets the better of him.

Projection: Led Brynas to the 2012 Swedish
Elite League championship. Has NHL starter potential on a
middle-tier club. “Nik is a guy who at the end of the day,
when he has a lead, he’s a closer. He might give up a few
when we have a lead that he can stop or would want back if he
self-analyzed, would say, ‘That’s one I should’ve
had,’ but when it’s crunch time, he’s pretty darn
solid at making the saves. When he smells victory, he digs in.
It’s the sign of a great goaltender.” —
Cassidy

8. Seth Griffith

Strengths:
Elite offensive hockey sense and nose for the net to create scoring
chances. Strong puckhandler with a lightning release on a hard,
accurate shot. Eligible for full-time AHL duty in 2013-14.

Weaknesses:
Average skater for his size; lacks a separation gear and quick
initial burst. Not very physical and doesn’t always bring his
best on every shift, disappearing for stretches.

Projection: Second-line wing with 35-goal
upside or bust. Griffith’s style resembles a young Mark
Recchi, but he doesn’t have the future Hall of Famer’s
nonstop motor. Because he doesn’t have a lot of size, speed
and grit, he’s not a great fit for third- or fourth-line NHL
duty. “One of the things we talked about that we really liked
about him was that ‘dog-on-a-bone’ mentality —
being able to play in all situations, whether penalty killing, late
in games scoring a big goal. I think he’s taken that to heart
and is trying to be more of a complete player.” —
Sweeney

9. Anthony Camara

Strengths:
Strong skater with quick jump, balance and speed/agility. Soft
hands for receiving passes and can find the back of the net with
his heavy shot. One of the best open-ice hitters in the OHL.

Weaknesses: Not
a very instinctive or creative player; relies on talented linemates
to boost his offensive production. Can be undisciplined and get
into penalty trouble.

Projection: Third- or fourth-line checking
wing: a fan favorite who will pop in some goals and fight.
“(Barrie coach) Dale Hawerchuk has been a really, really good
fit for Anthony, as is playing with Mark Scheifele. Give Anthony
credit because he’s taken advantage of that situation.
He’s done the things prior that got him the attention —
being hard to play against, having the ability to drop the gloves
when needed. But now you’re seeing the ability to score
goals, and he’s put in situations that he can take advantage
of.” — Sweeney

10 Matt Grzelcyk

Strengths:
Sublime skater with instant burst, extra gear and smooth east-west
lateral agility. Thinks the game at a high level; reads the play
instinctively, activates smartly and avoids hits with excellent
anticipation/vision. Soft hands for giving and receiving passes.
Has sterling character and a work ethic that is second to none.

Weaknesses:
Does not have the size to play a physical style or match up well
against power forwards driving the net. Could stand to add power to
his accurate shot.

Projection: Instant impact player who appears
destined for Hockey East All-Rookie honors. Has everything you want
in a player except the size; projects as bottom-pairing D and
specialty teams stalwart in NHL. “There are very few guys who
can step in especially if you’re a little undersized at the
college level and have the success right away that he does. His
hockey sense, his skating set him apart in those areas.”
— Sweeney